Be part of leading BASW!
Vacancies on council and committees
Become BASW UK Chair and make a difference to social work
Social work changes lives and BASW enables great social work.
- We support and represent 22000+ members
- We are growing, developing and diversifying our activities
- We uphold social work’s ethics, develop practice and influence policy
- We speak up for social justice alongside people with lived experience
- We represent UK social work in the International Federation of Social Workers
The Chair of BASW UK is the lead member and Director of the organisation. The term of office of BASW UK Chair is two years with the opportunity to reapply for another 2 year term as part of an open election. Our current Chair Julia Ross completes her first 2 year term of office in June 2024 and therefore there is an open election process to determine our Chair for 2024 – 2026.
If you are committed to BASW’s vision and ethics, have experience of leadership, chairing leadership meetings and providing strategic oversight within organisations, and believe you can take BASW forward on behalf of members and the profession, please consider whether you could be our next Chair.
We are looking for someone who can build empowering relationships, hold accountability and act as a passionate ambassador for social work and our membership. Someone who cares about and remains connected to real life practice. Someone who can further our priorities to build equalities and inclusion, increase co-production with experts by experience, serve all nations in the UK and ensure BASW’s sustainability and impact. The Chair will work closely with other lead members and staff to develop the organisation and deliver our ambitious plans for growth in membership and diversification of our activities.
The Chair of BASW works closely with the Vice-Chair and Treasurer and all Council members, and with the BASW Chief Executive. They are a Director of BASW the not for profit Company and an Honorary Officer of the Association.
The Chair will receive induction and support as well as remuneration of £25,800 per annum and is expected to provide about two days per week of their time to the Association. The Chair role includes occasional travel within the UK and internationally. However, remote working is the norm and technology support will be provided.
Equalities and Diversity: We encourage members from all communities, identities and backgrounds to consider these roles, particularly those previously less well represented in BASW’s leadership. BASW Council is committed to being more diverse and representative of our membership, sector and society.
BASW will provide personalised support and induction to ensure these roles are accessible to eligible candidates. All Council members can claim reasonable expenses incurred on BASW business in addition to receiving the honorarium.
Candidates should submit electronically their completed nomination form, together with an election statement of no more than 300 words and a passport size head and shoulders colour photograph to governance@basw.co.uk
The successful candidate would take up office from the conclusion of the 2024 AGM for a 2-year term. Office holders may stand again for another consecutive term of 2 years.
Criteria for candidates
Candidates for election as Chair must be nominated by five full voting members (other than the candidate themselves) or by a branch, committee or a National Standing Committee and candidates must have been full voting members for at least 2 continuous years prior to nomination.
All candidates must meet the criteria set out in the relevant role description.
Please ensure when applying for this vacancy that you take an early look at the website to check the criteria for nominations.
All nominations are reviewed against the set criteria by the Nominations Committee of Members.
An early discussion on this role can be arranged by emailing governance@basw.co.uk.
The closing date for receipt of nominations is 5pm Friday 19 January 2024